Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with that comes the need for a turntable to play them on. But can a turntable play all records?
The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of vinyl records and the turntables that can play them. We’ll also discuss the components of a turntable and why many enthusiasts prefer them over record players.
So, whether you’re new to vinyl or a seasoned collector, read on to learn more about the world of turntables and vinyl records.
Can A Turntable Play All Records
The short answer is no, not all turntables can play all records. The size and speed of a vinyl record determine whether a turntable can play it or not.
There are three main sizes of vinyl records: 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. The most common sizes are the 7-inch and 12-inch records, which can be played on most turntables. However, the 10-inch records are less common and may require a turntable with specific features to play them.
The speed of a vinyl record is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The most common speeds are 33 RPM and 45 RPM, which can be played on most turntables. However, some older records may require a speed of 78 RPM, which is less common and may require a turntable with specific features to play them.
It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for your turntable to see what sizes and speeds it can play. Some turntables have adjustable speed settings, allowing them to play different speeds of vinyl records. Others may require manual adjustments or additional components, such as an adapter or stylus, to play certain sizes or speeds.
Types Of Vinyl Records
Vinyl records come in three standard sizes: 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. The size of the record is determined by how much music can be stored on its surface. 7-inch records are typically used for singles and play at a speed of 45 RPM. They can hold around five minutes of music on each side. 12-inch records are the most common type of vinyl record and play at a speed of 33 RPM. They can hold up to 22 minutes of music on each side and are typically used for albums.
The third and rarest size of vinyl record is the 10-inch disc. These are most commonly older records that play at a speed of 78 RPM. They have wider grooves than other sizes, so you may need to replace your stylus to play them. However, unless you’re planning to collect records pressed before the mid-1950s, you don’t need to worry about playing 78 RPM records.
It’s important to note that not all turntables can play all sizes and speeds of vinyl records. Most turntables can play 7-inch and 12-inch records at speeds of 33 RPM and 45 RPM. However, some turntables may require additional components or manual adjustments to play certain sizes or speeds. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for your turntable to ensure that it can play the vinyl records in your collection.
Components Of A Turntable
To understand whether your turntable can play all records, it’s important to know the different components of a turntable. The six major components of a turntable are the plinth, platter, drive, tonearm, cartridge, and stylus.
The plinth is the base of the turntable that supports all the other components. It is usually made of wood or metal and is designed to reduce vibrations and resonance. The platter is the flat, circular platform that the record sits on while it’s being played. It is usually made of metal, acrylic, or glass and is designed to provide stability and reduce resonance.
The drive system is responsible for spinning the platter. There are two types of drive systems: belt-drive and direct-drive. Belt-drive turntables use a rubber belt to spin the platter, while direct-drive turntables use a motor to spin the platter directly. Belt-drive turntables are generally preferred for their better sound quality, while direct-drive turntables are preferred by DJs for their durability and stability.
The tonearm is the long arm that extends from the turntable and holds the cartridge and stylus. It is designed to track the grooves on the record and transmit the sound to the amplifier. The cartridge is a small device that contains a magnet or coil and converts the vibrations from the stylus into an electrical signal. The stylus is the needle that sits at the end of the tonearm and tracks the grooves on the record.
Differences Between Turntables And Record Players
While the terms “turntable” and “record player” are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. A turntable is a standalone unit that requires additional components, such as a preamp, amplifier, and speakers, to play music. On the other hand, a record player is an all-in-one unit that includes the turntable assembly, preamp, amplifier, and speakers, and is ready to play music right out of the box.
One advantage of a turntable is that it allows for more customization and flexibility in terms of the components you pair it with. This means that you can upgrade individual components over time to improve sound quality or change the overall sound profile to your liking. In contrast, a record player is more limited in terms of customization options since everything is fixed from the factory.
Another difference between turntables and record players is that turntables tend to be preferred by audiophiles who want to have more control over their equipment and achieve higher quality sound. Record players, on the other hand, are often chosen by those who want a simpler and more convenient listening experience.
It’s worth noting that some turntables come with built-in preamps or other components, blurring the line between turntables and record players. However, these models still require external speakers to play music.
Ultimately, whether you choose a turntable or a record player depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you value customization and high-quality sound, a turntable may be the better choice for you. If you prioritize convenience and simplicity, a record player may be the way to go.
Compatibility Between Turntables And Vinyl Records
When it comes to compatibility between turntables and vinyl records, it’s important to consider the size and speed of the record, as well as the features of the turntable. As mentioned above, not all turntables can play all sizes and speeds of vinyl records.
For example, 7-inch and 12-inch records are the most common sizes and can be played on most turntables. However, 10-inch records are less common and may require a turntable with specific features to play them. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications for your turntable to see if it can play 10-inch records or if additional components are needed.
Similarly, the speed of a vinyl record is another important factor to consider. Most turntables can play 33 RPM and 45 RPM records, which are the most common speeds. However, some older records may require a speed of 78 RPM, which is less common and may require a turntable with specific features to play them.
In addition to size and speed, other features of a turntable can also affect its compatibility with vinyl records. For example, some turntables have adjustable speed settings, allowing them to play different speeds of vinyl records. Others may require manual adjustments or additional components, such as an adapter or stylus, to play certain sizes or speeds.
Tips For Choosing The Right Turntable For Your Vinyl Collection
When it comes to choosing the right turntable for your vinyl collection, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Consider the size and speed of your vinyl records: As mentioned above, different sizes and speeds of vinyl records require different features in a turntable. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure your turntable can play the records in your collection.
2. Look for a turntable with a high signal-to-noise ratio: This measures how much background noise you can hear when playing a record. A higher number is better, as you want more music signal than noise. Look for a signal-to-noise ratio above 65dB.
3. Check the wow and flutter rating: This spec tells you how accurately the turntable spins the platter. A lower number is better, ideally below 0.25%. Too much deviation can cause an audible wavering effect.
4. Consider a direct-drive turntable: These have a motor directly attached to the platter, which reduces external vibrations and increases stability. They are also ideal for DJs who want to scratch records.
5. Look for a turntable with a pre-amplifier: This allows you to connect the turntable to an external component without a dedicated phono input. Make sure to check if your turntable comes with one or if you need to purchase it separately.
6. Consider the weight of the turntable: A heavier turntable will have a higher rumble rating and be less likely to pick up vibrations from external movement.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose the right turntable for your vinyl collection and enjoy high-quality sound from your records.
